Chapter 254: Hollywood's Byproduct
By the end of January 1994, hearings were held at the Los Angeles County Court. The jury reviewed over 200 witness statements, yet almost none of the evidence supporting Jordan Chandler was accepted.
On one side, there was virtually no concrete evidence proving that Michael Jackson had committed any misconduct. On the other, Jackson's physical and mental condition had deteriorated under the prolonged strain of the investigation.
In the end, both parties agreed to an out-of-court settlement.
Jackson paid a total of $22 million to the Chandler family and their attorney, Larry Feldman. In return, Jordan Chandler and his father agreed not to testify in any criminal proceedings.
With no substantial evidence, the police and jury officially terminated the investigation. Michael Jackson was not charged.
Both sides also signed a confidentiality agreement, prohibiting the disclosure of any case details.
Thus, after months of global media frenzy, the highly publicized scandal finally came to an end.
---
Although the Golden Globes had concluded, Hollywood's award season was far from over. The Directors Guild Awards, Producers Guild Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and most importantly, the Oscars, were still ahead.
Even the recent Los Angeles earthquake had done little to dim the city's glittering nightlife.
At the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Aaron attended a reception with Monica Bellucci, who had just wrapped filming P2 (Parking Garage Horror).
"Philadelphia is getting incredible reviews," Monica said. In the film, she played Tom Hanks' wife, and her performance had been well received.
Aaron rested a hand lightly on her waist.
"You did well too. Just take it step by step."
Monica smiled and kissed him lightly.
"And P2—that's coming out this year as well?"
"Yeah. We're aiming for a Halloween release."
At the same time, Dawnlight was moving forward with the development of Scream. After all, they had secured the script for $750,000 in a bidding war.
Aaron had already decided to cast Christiana Reali as the film's reporter character. As for the student leads, he planned to recruit a group of young, attractive newcomers.
The only major piece still undecided was the director.
For Aaron, though, that wasn't a problem—it was just another opportunity to shape the next hit
Before long, Aaron ran into John Woo at the reception.
Woo's film Hard Target the previous year had at least put him on Hollywood's radar. More importantly, he now had ties with Dawnlight—after all, the studio had invested in The Blood and Tears of Chinese Laborers, where he was serving as producer.
"Mr. Anderson, good evening," Woo greeted warmly. "And thank you to Crescent Pictures for supporting The Blood and Tears of Chinese Laborers."
Aaron shrugged lightly.
"Some things in history can't be ignored—we have to face them. What history remembers shouldn't be language, but identity and humanity."
"The story of Chinese laborers is a heavy one. It's something America should confront as well."
Woo nodded. "Perhaps… thank you for understanding."
At this point, Woo was still something of a newcomer in Hollywood. While Hard Target had achieved moderate commercial success, its critical reception hadn't been strong enough to truly establish him.
Aaron studied him for a moment.
"So, what's next? Any plans?"
Woo gave an awkward smile and shook his head.
"Nothing concrete yet. For now, my main focus is The Blood and Tears of Chinese Laborers."
After all, this was a long-cherished project by director Hu Jinquan—bringing it to life was already meaningful enough.
Aaron nodded with a smile.
"Dawnlight really appreciates your directing style. I'm sure we'll have a proper collaboration in the future."
By "proper collaboration," he meant something very different—Woo would be brought in as a true director with creative control, not reduced to a puppet as he had been on Hard Target.
This, after all, was a common struggle for directors new to Hollywood.
Even David Fincher had faced the same issue while directing Alien 3—his authority stripped away, the film effectively controlled by producers.
In Hard Target, the real control had belonged to its lead actor, Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Aaron, however, knew that Woo's true potential hadn't been seen yet. In the future, he would direct the explosive action hit Face/Off, starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta—a film that would fully showcase his signature style.
Hearing Aaron's praise, Woo couldn't hide his excitement.
"I hope that day comes soon."
Aaron nodded. "It will. And not too far off."
---
After wrapping up their discussion on the project, Aaron soon encountered Otis Chandler, chairman of the Times Mirror Company and owner of the Los Angeles Times.
The Chandler family had controlled the paper for over half a century, making them one of Los Angeles' most influential media dynasties. As a major advertiser, Dawnlight was an important client.
"Aaron," Chandler said with a smile, "this March's Oscars—Dawnlight might come out on top again."
"The Piano, from Crescent Pictures, is getting a lot of buzz."
Aaron smiled faintly.
"It does have strong momentum—but the competition is just as fierce."
"And besides, the director, Jane Campion, is a woman from New Zealand."
He paused slightly.
"Do you really think the Academy will hand Best Picture or Best Director to a female filmmaker?"
Chandler burst into laughter.
"You see things clearly. Hollywood is still… Hollywood."
Unspoken rules—gender bias, racial bias—had always existed. From the Golden Age to New Hollywood and beyond, they remained deeply embedded. Women, more often than not, were still treated as secondary players.
Chandler patted Aaron's shoulder.
"Honestly, Dawnlight doesn't seem too concerned about the Oscars anymore."
"Independent studios need awards to boost their value—but Dawnlight is different now."
He wasn't wrong.
Dawnlight's commercial success spoke for itself. With moves like building a new headquarters in Burbank, acquiring AMC, and purchasing the Samuel Goldwyn film library, the company was rapidly expanding.
For Aaron, awards were just one part of the game.
The real goal was something much bigger.